CAN FIXATION

Question
My 11 month old Weimaraner has a fixation with cans and bottle tops. Whe out walking he lunges and is constantly looking for a can or bottle top to put in his mouth. I have resorted to him wearing a muzzle but even then he is still managing to pick stuff up. He cuts his mouth so much and I am so worried I dont want to let him off the lead anymore.....why does he do this?? And is there anyone that has the same problem.  

Answer
I've heard of other fixations, rocks, stuffed toys, balls. Yours unfortunately is a big more dangerous. Your dog is , of course exhibiting very strong OCD behavior. Usual causes are lack of exercise and boredom. I dont usually suggestion medications but in a situation this severe, visit your vet you might need some help in that area. Meanwhile,walk your dog. Forty five minute power walks every single day , with your dog at heel. If necessary get him started on a tread mill. At least three times per week he should play/work/run until his tongue hangs out, quite an undertaking to wear out a Weim, I realize but it has to be done. Get him out and about. Get him involved in obedience classes. Dog sports, such as fly ball or disc. Get him LOTS of intriguing toys. The kinds that can be stuffed with different kinds of treats so that he has to use both his mind AND his mouth to get the treats out. Make sure the treats are GOOD ones and things that he loves. Change them out frequently so that he doesn't get bored with them. Put a tether ball and pole in your back yard if you have one. Once he figures out how to play with it he'll use it and enjoy it. The primary thing to remember is that you MUST occupy both his mouth and his mind. And that a TIRED dog doesn't have the energy to waste on such things nearly as much,
He's still young, you have a great chance of beating this but you must start NOW.
Good luck
Cindi